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If your family has suffered a tragedy because of an above-ground pool, you’re not alone, and you may have legal options. Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup have issued a product recall for more than 5 million above-ground pools after multiple child drownings were linked to a dangerous design defect. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has classified this as a serious safety issue, and families across the country are now filing lawsuits to seek justice.
Our attorneys are helping parents, guardians, and pool owners nationwide file claims tied to this recall. If your child drowned or was seriously injured in a recalled pool, or if you purchased one of the affected models, reach out to us for a free case review.
Summary of the Recall
The CPSC’s July 2025 announcement confirmed a nationwide recall of 48-inch and taller above-ground pools made by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. These pools include a compression strap around the outside of the frame that unintentionally acts as a climbing foothold. This allowed children to access the pool even without a ladder.
The affected pools were sold in the U.S. between 2002 and 2025 and include models under brand names such as Coleman, Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, and Blue Wave.
- Over 5 million pools recalled
- Sold from 2002 to 2025 at major U.S. retailers and online
- Nine confirmed child drownings are tied to the design flaw
- Official recall date: July 21, 2025
The CPSC has urged families to immediately remove or disable the compression strap using a free repair kit available from the manufacturers. But for many, the damage has already been done.
Why Were These Pools Recalled?
The danger lies in the pool’s support structure. Instead of preventing access, the external compression strap wraps around the vertical support legs and creates a step for young children to climb.
Despite the pool’s height and removable ladders, many families didn’t realize the compression strap posed such a risk. The CPSC found that children under age 4 were able to climb into the pool using this foothold. This led to multiple drownings. Other issues contributing to the recall include:
- Insufficient safety warnings or labels alerting parents to this risk
- False sense of security (many believed taller pools were safer)
- Failure to provide safety upgrades or recalls sooner, despite prior incidents
These design and warning failures triggered the Bestway pool drowning lawsuit and related legal actions against Intex and Polygroup.
Known Injuries and Fatalities
The CPSC has confirmed nine child deaths caused by this product defect between 2007 and 2022. All victims were between 22 months and 3 years old. The incidents occurred in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
Beyond these tragedies, there are likely dozens more near-drownings or unreported injuries caused by similar scenarios. Some children survived but experienced severe brain injury, loss of oxygen, or long-term health complications.
If your child suffered permanent harm after gaining access to one of these recalled pools, you may be eligible to join a child drowning recalled pool lawsuit.
Who May Qualify for a Lawsuit?
You may be able to sue Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup if:
- Your child drowned or nearly drowned in one of the above-ground pools listed
- The pool was 48 inches or taller, sold between 2002 and 2025
- The child accessed the pool using the compression strap foothold
- The incident occurred even if the ladder was removed
- You purchased or used one of the following recalled brands: Coleman, Summer Waves, Summer Escapes, Funsicle, Blue Wave, Sand n Sun, or Prism Frame
Families of injured or deceased children, as well as pool owners who unknowingly bought these unsafe models, may be eligible for compensation.
Download Our Free Legal Checklist for Pool Recall Victims
CPSC and Regulatory Timeline
The problems with these pools were not new. The CPSC had received reports dating back more than a decade:
- 2004–2022: Fatal drowning and injury reports accumulated
- 2011–2012: Three children were documented using the compression strap to gain access to the pool
- July 21, 2025: CPSC announces national recall affecting Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup pools
The recall includes products sold in major retail stores and on websites such as Walmart, Target, The Home Depot, Costco, Amazon, and many other retailers.
Models were priced between $400 and $1,000, depending on size and accessories. An estimated 266,000 pools were also sold in Canada.
What Legal Action Can Be Taken?
If your family has been affected, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death or personal injury claim against the pool manufacturer. An Intex pool recall lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills and long-term treatment
- Emotional trauma and psychological counseling
- Loss of companionship or parental care
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in some cases
To support your case, try to document the pool model and date of purchase, photos of the injury site or pool setup, and any medical or incident reports. Legal action is underway across the country, with families filing Bestway pool drowning lawsuits and similar claims against Intex and Polygroup.
Our Experience With Product Liability and Defective Consumer Goods
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we’ve spent decades fighting for families harmed by unsafe products. We have the national resources and litigation experience necessary to hold large corporations, including Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, accountable for placing dangerous products on the market.
Our attorneys have handled a wide range of defective product cases, from faulty ladders and pool equipment to wrongful death lawsuits involving child drownings. We’ve worked on complex child injury cases caused by poorly designed toys and recalled consumer goods, and we’ve led the way in high-stakes national product recall litigation.
If your child was harmed by an unsafe pool, a recalled toy, or suffered a brain injury due to a defective medical device, our team is here to fight for justice and the full compensation your family deserves.
Contact Our Pool Recall Lawyers
You shouldn’t have to suffer alone after losing a child or watching them endure a traumatic accident. Our attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are here to help 24/7.
Call (561) 655-1990 or send us a message now to schedule a free case review with a leading defective pool injury attorney. We’ll explain your rights, gather evidence, and walk you through every step of your case.
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FAQs: Above-Ground Pool Recall
Which above-ground pools are recalled?
The recall includes Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup above-ground pools that are 48 inches or taller and feature compression straps on the outside of the support legs. These models were sold between 2002 and 2025 at major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Costco, as well as through brand websites like Intexcorp and SummerWaves.
Can I sue after a pool drowning?
Yes. If your child or loved one drowned in a recalled above-ground pool due to the compression strap hazard, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and explain your legal rights during a free consultation.
Do I need proof of purchase to file a lawsuit?
Not necessarily. While documentation like receipts or photos of the pool can help, our legal team may be able to confirm eligibility through product details, medical records, and other evidence, even if you no longer own the pool.
What happens if I have already modified or repaired the pool?
Modifications don’t automatically affect your eligibility. If the original design flaw contributed to the incident, you may still have a valid legal claim, even if repairs or changes were made.
How much does it cost to hire your law firm?
There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Initial consultations are always free.
